﻿2011 NFL Draft Minnesota Vikings Pick, No. 12: 12 Players to Target

It is amazing how fast the Minnesota Vikings have fallen over the course of a single year. Last year, the Vikings were one Brett Favre interception away from a Super Bowl berth, yet now, they have the 12th overall pick and holes galore.

With the Favre and Tarvaris Jackson experiments failing, quarterback remains the top priority for the Vikings.

There are other needs besides quarterback, though. The offensive line struggled mightily last year, handicapping whatever passer behind center.

On the other side of the ball, the defense is aging and could use an infusion of youth, especially at the cornerback position and at various spots on the defensive line.

The Vikings are an interesting team to watch in this year’s draft, even though there are only a few different directions they can take.

It is quite possible that they could trade out of their No. 12 spot, as there are about 10 or 11 elite players in this draft—either to grab one of these players or to accumulate more picks to make up for the third rounder given up in the Randy Moss trade. Highly coveted QBs Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton, for instance, figure to be long gone by the Vikings’ spot, in addition to top-shelf prospect along the defensive line and in the secondary.

If the Vikings do end up staying put at No. 12, they should consider selecting these 12 players, presented in order of increasing likelihood. Thus, the slideshow should give Vikings fans a realistic look at the possible rookies the team will field next season.

12. DE/LB Aldon Smith, Missouri

Three-time Pro Bowl DE Jared Allen had an incredible season, but the Vikings need a pass rusher on the other side of the defensive line. Ray Edwards is coming off a less-than-stellar year, and he wants to test free-agent waters. Minnesota needs to find a long-term successor soon.

Missouri DE/LB Aldon Smith missed some action this year, but he’s a freakish athlete who should be lock for the top 15, so No. 12 remains a very real possibility.

Scouts seem to think that Smith is either a 3-4 outside linebacker or a 4-3 defensive end, not a 4-3 outside linebacker. Either way, the Vikings and new head coach Leslie Frazier should be able to find a place to play Smith.

If Minnesota lets veteran LB Ben Leber walk, Smith could be the right man to take his place. And if they don’t think he can play the outside linebacker spot in the Vikings’ 4-3 defense, then he would serve as a great bookend to Allen if Edwards does not return next year.

In all, Smith is an incredible pass rusher and a sure tackler who has impressive speed. He might be the most athletic defensive end in draft rich with them, and the Vikings should consider him at No. 12.

11. OT Nate Solder, Colorado

While selecting him would not qualify as a “sexy” pick, Nate Solder is needed more on the Vikings’ roster than would originally appear.

The Colorado behemoth would be a nice value pick for the Vikings, who might want to start a succession plan for LT Bryant McKinnie or challenge third-year RT Phil Loadholt.

McKinnie’s days of a starting offensive tackle are nearing an end. His consistency issues have become more of a problem with each passing year. In fact, in order to save some salary cap money, the Vikings could even elect to release “Mount McKinnie.”

Solder is very close to McKinnie in size and would be a more than adequate replacement. He is an enormous human being, and he could use his size to revitalize the running game, which has decreased in production over the past few years.

Whomever the Vikings select as their quarterback of the future, he will need better offensive line play than what Brett Favre had last year, and Solder appears more than capable.

10. CB Prince Amukamara, Nebraska

If the Dallas Cowboys pass on Prince Amukamara for USC OT Tyron Smith at spot No. 9, the Vikings would be wise to consider the Nebraska cornerback.

The Vikings were hit by injuries all of last season at cornerback, and their defense as a whole was a shell of the team that went to the NFC championship game one season ago. Veteran CB Antoine Winfield is injury-prone because of his key role in run defense and also is not getting any younger.

Last year’s second-round pick Chris Cook could not stay on the field as a rookie, and Lito Sheppard has not played well in years.

Thus, it is a given that Minnesota has to bolster its secondary, and Amukamara is the only realistic choice in the draft's first round, with Patrick Peterson surely flying off the board in the top 10 and Jimmy Smith a bit of a reach at No. 12 due to character concerns.

Prince’s lockdown style and willingness to tackle will be welcomed. While his deep speed has been questioned, he will play zone coverage in Frazier’s Cover-2 system, which does not place a premium on speed.

Picking up a corner such as Amukamara is of most importance, since the Vikes play in the pass-happy NFC North. After all, someone needs to cover top-flight WRs Calvin Johnson and Greg

Jennings, so expect the Vikings to zone in on Prince come draft day if he somehow falls to pick No. 12.

The second best cornerback on the board, Amukamara would bring instant credibility to a secondary that needs it.

9. OT Anthony Castonzo, Boston College

LT Bryant McKinnie has not only struggled with consistency on the field, but he has also had problems with the law, including his involvement in the Love Boat scandal and a 2008 brawl in a Miami nightclub. His age, 31, combined with his discipline issues, make him a strong possibility for replacement.

A four-year starter at Boston College, OT Anthony Castonzo, on the other hand, is a coach’s dream and will not make many bad decisions, be it on or off the field.

On the field, he is smart and quick to recognize what an opponent is trying to do against him, very aware of stunts and loops. Overall, he remains the most technique-savvy tackle in this draft class and will not be available long once the selections start. Moreover, unlike McKinnie, Castonzo’s effort will never be questioned, as he is a high character player in this regard.

The Vikings should set their eyes on Castonzo if a team does not pick him up at No. 12. Though not a mauler, Castonzo has a strong commitment to sound technique and football intelligence. These qualities will allow him to grow into a quality starting left tackle at the pro level.

8. QB Ryan Mallett, Arkansas

Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett will likely be either a hit or a huge bust in the NFL. Though he is huge and has a cannon of an arm, his footwork is poor, and he has no semblance of mobility. If Blaine Gabbert or Cam Newton drop to the Vikings, either one would fit much better here for Minnesota.

There are some worries about his footwork, and a public intoxication arrest on his record certainly will not thrill the Vikings’ front office, but the team should certainly consider making him its top pick, whether at No. 12 or lower if they trade down.

However, with its young receivers and already solid running game, Minnesota would be a great place for the Arkansas standout to mature and improve his game.

Mallett likes to use his strong arm to launch the ball down the field, and so, he could be a fit for the Vikings, who have a stable of home run threats featuring Bernard Berrian and Percy Harvin. In fact, he could run devastating play-action fakes to Adrian Peterson, bombing it to the Vikings’ speedsters. Overall, the Viking offense appears to be a good system for Mallett to flourish.

That said, the Vikings must pause and consider his weaknesses. Mallett is not necessarily a true leader, and he is also prone to turnovers, as he is sometimes careless with the ball and forces the ball into double or triple coverage. In addition, Mallett also plays in a bad QB system under Bobby Petrino, who has produced NFL flops such as Stefan LeFors and Brian Brohm.

If he can learn to limit turnovers and develop as a leader, Mallett could grow into a top-shelf QB in the NFL. The Vikings’ weapons and the presence of offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave, who coached up rising Atlanta QB Matt Ryan, make the Vikings a viable destination for Mallett.

7. DE Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue

A defensive-minded head coach in Leslie Frazier could vouch for the Purdue DE prospect to replace unrestricted free agent Ray Edwards. Kerrigan had an up-and-down Senior Bowl week but demonstrated that he has the overall speed to get to the quarterback consistently.

Though Kerrigan might be a bit of a reach at this spot, he stands only behind J.J. Watt as the most NFL-ready defensive end in the 2011 draft. He has the speed to get around the edge and the power to make a move inside.

He is also a bit undersized for a prototypical NFL defensive end, but he gives relentless effort on every play. In fact, some have compared him to current Vikings sackmaster Jared Allen.

With DE Ray Edwards unlikely to be resigned due to demands for a lucrative contract and Everson Griffen running into trouble with the law, Kerrigan would have no problem stepping right into a starting position for the Vikes at defensive end next season.

All in all, Vikings cannot really go wrong with Ryan Kerrigan here. He can flat-out play, and he fills a vacancy that could arise if Edwards decides to bolt to another city. Defensive ends are hot commodities in the NFL, and Minnesota could confidently go with Kerrigan with their top pick.

6. DE JJ Watt, Wisconsin

If he slides past the Texans, the Vikings should seriously consider dipping their toes into the very deep pass rusher pool by selecting Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt, who has flown up draft boards of late.

Since he fills a need for the Vikings, he would be a solid pick to improve the Vikings defense.

Watt is not an elite pass rusher, but he is absolutely relentless with his non-stop motor. He is also versatile—he has a rare combination of length, size, and speed that allows him to play multiple positions in the 4-3 defense the Vikings employ. Just like All-Pro DT Kevin Williams, Watt could play either inside or outside and will be out on the field for just about every down.

DT Pat Williams, 38, isn’t getting any younger, and the Vikings D-line could use not only depth, but also a capable starter on the left side. Watt and Allen would make for a menacing pass-rushing duo for the rest of Allen’s career. On paper, the Vikings would arguably have the league’s best defensive line.

Now that the NFC North has three quality quarterbacks in Detroit’s Matthew Stafford, Chicago’s Jay Cutler and Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers, the Vikings should pursue the top-tier DE Watt because they need to get after the quarterback in 2011 more than ever before.

5. OT Tyron Smith, Southern California

There is a reason why that rookie passer Joe Webb was forced into the spotlight as a starter last season—QBs Brett Favre and Tarvaris Jackson had suffered injuries due to poor pass protection.

A blue-chip offensive tackle, Smith literally pushed defensive lineman around like it was nothing while at USC.

For the Vikings, he would immediately challenge LT Bryant McKinnie and RT Phil Loadholt, both of whom underperformed last year. Indeed, Smith can play at either right or left tackle; he has the prototypical size and mobility for the left tackle spot, but has extensive experience at right tackle from his days at USC.

He is not exactly a finished product, but his ceiling is much higher than any other tackle prospect.

His best football is undoubtedly ahead of him because he’s still somewhat raw and has room to refine his technique.

With no clear-cut, top 10 left tackle prospects available, Smith’s freakish size and strength, along with his upside, make him a solid pick at No. 12. He would give the Vikings some much-needed protection up front to help a young QB develop and for Adrian Peterson to pound the ball.

4. DE Da’Quan Bowers, Clemson

Before the combine, Clemson DE Da’Quan Bowers was considered a surefire top-five pick, with some reports claiming that there was a strong chance that he could go No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers.

Now, unless Bowers pushes his stock back into the top 10 with a big pro day—whenever that may be—Bowers could very well tumble to No. 12 because of recent medical reports on his knee.

With the team in danger of losing left end Ray Edwards and potentially having to release the undisciplined second-year player Everson Griffen, Minnesota clearly needs help across from Jared Allen.

Though the Vikings recently re-signed Brian Robison, he simply is not enough of a playmaker to prevent the team from selecting Bowers, Cameron Jordan or J.J. Watt. In reality, Robison remains nothing more than a rotational edge rusher.

Bowers is a physical specimen who would be able to fill the large void on the left side of the defensive line. He is easily convertible from defensive end to defensive tackle and vice versa, although his size makes him the perfect defensive end prospect. The bottom line is that he is an incredible athlete who has a good motor and can make plays in the backfield.

Because of injury and one-year wonder concerns, though, Bowers could end up being selected after fellow high-caliber DEs Watt and Jordan in what is likely the draft’s deepest position. If he falls into the Vikings’ lap, look for the team to make him their first-round pick.

3. DE Cameron Jordan, California

The Vikings will probably be able to choose between Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt and Cal’s Cameron Jordan to fill an opening at the defensive end position. But when it comes to versatility and tailored skill set, Jordan is the better talent hands down.

Jordan’s collegiate career at Cal was nothing short of incredible. He was very durable—he only missed one game in college—and was amazing in the Senior Bowl. He is also one of the most versatile defensive linemen available.

If the Vikings pluck him off the board at No. 12, they will be getting a defensive playmaker that can make Minnesota’s defensive line dangerous once again. The line underperformed in 2010, and with Ray Edwards likely leaving, they have a void to fill.

Besides, Jordan is not only one of the top ranked defensive linemen the 2011 NFL draft has to offer, but he is also the only one with a tie to the franchise. Cameron Jordan’s father, Steve Jordan, remains quite possibly the most accomplished tight end in Vikings history.

Now, that does not mean the Vikings are going to just jump out there and scoop him up, but if they do, they will get an exceptional player who will also be able to carry on a small family tradition of playing in purple.

2. QB Jake Locker, Washington

Although a bit of a reach at the Vikings’ spot, Washington QB Jake Locker remains an intriguing possibility for a team desperate for a franchise quarterback. With Brett Favre finally retired and Joe Webb currently atop the depth chart, it is definitely time for the Vikings to look to the future.

Locker’s collegiate numbers may not be eye-popping, but he brings with him plenty of physical ability. And at a time when many observers are wringing their hands about the proliferation of the college spread offense, Locker made a lot of his throws from under center.

Though his completion percentage was subpar, Locker has been plagued with a terrible supporting cast every single year at Washington. His offensive line rarely formed a nice pocket for him, leading to many throws out of bounds, and his receivers consistently dropped on-target passes.

If Minnesota drafted him, he would have a superb supporting cast. He would be able to hand the ball off to All-Pro RB Adrian Peterson or sling it to a solid set of receiving threats in WRs Bernard Berrian, Percy Harvin, and Sidney Rice. He would definitely be in the right environment to succeed.

Locker also is an outstanding athlete who will be a legitimate dual-threat QB in the NFL. He has excellent quickness for a quarterback, and he is not afraid to lower his shoulder for extra yards when he escapes the pocket.

Locker possesses both the skills and the intangibles to be the Vikes’ franchise QB; he just needs some time to develop. If they pick him, he would be in a perfect environment in Minnesota.

1. DE Robert Quinn, North Carolina

A very talented defensive end, UNC’s Robert Quinn had a good combine by most standards and is projected to come off the board in the top 10.

That said, Quinn could fall to No. 12 because of a suspension that cost him the entire 2010 season, and the Vikings would be wise to take advantage. In fact, Quinn’s skills as a pass rusher probably would have stood out from those of Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers were he able to suit up this past year for North Carolina.

Minnesota’s defense is aging, and a key lineman—starter Ray Edwards—is on the outs via free agency. As such, the Vikings’ to-do list ought to include fixing their once-dominant offensive line.

If he forms a bookend with Jared Allen, he could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Indeed, he is, without a doubt, the most explosive defensive end available in the draft. He is quick off the edge with good hands, an imposing body and swift feet, allowing him to fly past opposing tackles and disrupt plays in the backfield.

Overall, Quinn is first-rate athlete with an ideal skill set to become a perennial Pro Bowler as a defensive end. With a defense that relies so much on pressure from its front four, a player like Quinn would be a welcome addition to defensive coordinator Fred Pagac’s squad.

The best pure pass rusher in this draft, he would represent an immediate upgrade for the Vikings’ defensive line and an excellent value for their first-round pick.

2011 NFL Mock Draft: First 12 Picks

The pecking order for the 2011 NFL Draft finally appears to be rounding into shape. Below is a personal take on the selections up to the Vikings’ spot at No. 12: